Abstract
The structural characterization of hydrocarbon biomarkers with high molecular weight still remains a challenge even using the ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (UHRMS). In this work, a homologue series identification strategy was proposed based on the “sequentiality” of crude oil, where “sequentiality” revealed a compositional continuum of the naturally existing components in crude oil. With the steady increase of mass to charge ratio (m/z), the collision cross-section (CCS) value was measured by trapped ion mobility mass spectrometry (TIMS-MS) and showed a linear relationship with m/z. The structure of C20-C34 steranes and C27-C38 hopanes was determined using linear correlation. The accuracy of molecular formula was confirmed by UHRMS, and the structural determination was verified by MS/MS. The identification of sterane series and hopane series demonstrated the application of the homologue series identification strategy in the structural determination of hydrocarbon biomarkers with high molecular weight. Compared with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) within the GC-able reach, the new analytical strategy showed better qualitative results and comparable quantitative results, which made it promising to explore novel hydrocarbon biomarkers in crude oil.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
